Greek Tragedy Terms

Question 1

What is the Greek word for tragic flaw?

Answer 1

hamartia

Question 2

What is the Greek term for “pride” or “arrogance?

Answer 2

hubris

Question 3

What is the moment of emotional release for the audience called?

Answer 3

catharsis

Question 4

What is the term for when the audience knows more than the characters on stage know?

Answer 4

dramatic irony

Question 5

What direction does the plot of a tragedy move?

Answer 5

prosperity to adversity

Question 6

What is the name for the character who is rich and famous but falls because of his own mistake?

Answer 6

tragic hero

Question 7

What are the words in italics or brackets in a play script?

Answer 7

stage directions

Question 8

What is the term for the moment the main character realizes the truth?

Answer 8

epiphany

Question 9

What is the term for the chorus’ response?

Answer 9

ode

Question 10

What is the name of the group that summarizes or judges the characters’ choices and worships the gods in dance?

Answer 10

chorus

Question 11

What is the term for the area where the chorus danced and sang?

Answer 11

orchestra

Question 12

What is the entrance of the chorus called?

Answer 12

parados

Question 13

What are the opening lines of the Greek tragedy called?

Answer 13

prologue

Question 14

What did Greek actors use that allowed them to play several roles in the same play?

Answer 14

masks

Question 15

What two emotions should a tragic hero evoke in the audience?

Answer 15

pity and fear

Question 16

Why did Greek plays not enact violence on stage?

Answer 16

stage decencies

Question 17

What is the literary term for when the audience learns background information from the chorus or characters in the play speaking to one another?

Answer 17

dramatic exposition